Katie Hanes
How many years have you worked in travel and how did you get into the industry?
I first joined Pettitts in 1998, at the age of 18, following a backpacking trip to India and Nepal. During my time at the company, I travelled extensively until I left in 2010 after the birth of my second child. I rejoined Pettitts in 2018, took another break during the coronavirus pandemic, and rejoined again in 2023. In total, I’ve worked for Pettitts for over 15 years.
What do you do outside of travelling or whilst travelling (hobbies/interests?)
I am passionate about yoga and completed a teacher training in 2020. I also enjoy gardening, dog walking, running and reading.
How many countries have you visited to date?
I have visited a total of 22 countries, mostly to far flung destinations in the East, along with a few in South America and several European countries.
What are your top three destination recommendations?
India holds a special place in my heart. It’s an incredible, curious and complex country that offers an experience unlike any other. Closely followed by Morocco, for the historic medinas in Marrakech and Fes, as well as the beautiful Sahara Desert and majestic Atlas Mountains. Last but not least, Italy for a romantic city break, with its iconic landmarks like Rome’s Colosseum, Florence’s Duomo and Venice’s picturesque canals - it’s a fantastic destination.
And the best-kept travel secret locations/experiences you’ve discovered along the way?
I have always wanted to go to the remote Wa Ale Island Resort in Myanmar’s Myeik Archipelago, an escapists paradise!
What do you listen or read/interest to when you’re travelling?
I enjoy romantic fiction, ideally based in the country I am visiting.
Can you speak any other languages?
I took French GCSE a long time ago and could probably get by, but unfortunately, I’m not fluent in any language.
Where is next on your wish list and why?
I would love to go on a family adventure holiday to Costa Rica for the wildlife and to explore the jungles, volcanoes, and spectacular waterfalls. My two teenage boys would love to go zip-lining through Monteverde’s forest canopy.
Any disaster stories/near misses on your travels?
I fell out of the raft whilst white water rafting in Nepal on the Bhoti Kosi, which is known as the wildest and steepest river rafted in the country. Fortunately, I was rescued by a lovely man called Andrew who pulled me back into the raft! Aside from that my travels over the years have gone smoothly.
Any words of wisdom or to tips for travellers?
Bring a journal. If you are someone who likes to journal regularly, this may already be on your list. If not, it’s something you should consider. Trip journals make wonderful souvenirs, but even if journaling isn’t something you’re interested in, at some point, you will wish you had a piece of paper and a pen.
